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deBriefings ¢ Publication of proof of the presence of fungal growth in which babies sleep, e.g. adults' mattresses, mattresses of other babies' mattresses: children, sheepskins, etc.) must be enclosed in a suitable slip-on Refer to "Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: a possible primary mattress cover, such as the one available from BabeSafe, or in a cause", Journal of the Forensic Science Society 34(3):199-204 polythene wrapping. (1994); and "Final Report of the Expert Group to Investigate Cot The wrapping should be a thick, natural-colour (not black) Death Theories: Toxic Gas Hypothesis" (Limerick Report), UK, polythene sheeting or surgical rubber sheeting. Polythene suit- May 1998. able for this purpose is available at most garden centres. On no *¢ Publication of proof of the presence of the elements phospho - _ account should PVC (polyviny] chloride) be used for wrapping rus, arsenic and antimony in babies' bedding: mattresses. Analyses of bedding have been reported by Dr Jim Sprott in Place the polythene or rubber over the top of the mattress and The Cot Death Cover-up?, Penguin, 1996. down the ends and sides, and then secure it firmly beneath the ¢ Publication of proof that the re-use of mattresses increases mattress with strong adhesive tape. The polythene or rubber on the risk of cot death (a corollary of the toxic gas theory): the underside of the mattress should not be airtight. It must be See "Case-control study of sudden infant death syndrome in airtight on the top and sides of the mattress. Scotland, 1992-5", British Medical Journal 314:1516-20 (1997). It is imperative to use the correct bedding on top of a poly- *¢ Publication of proof that later babies in a family are more at __ thene-wrapped mattress or BabeSafe mattress or mattress cover. risk of cot death than first babies (a corollary of the fact that Use a fleecy, pure cotton (flannelette) underblanket and tuck this re-use of mattresses increases the risk of cot death): in securely. Then make the bed using sheets and a pure cotton or See "Risk factors of sudden infant death in Chinese babies", pure woollen overblanket. Do not use any of the following as American Journal of Epidemiology 144:1070-73 (1997). baby bedding: sheepskin; moisture-resistant cot mattress protec- ¢ Publication of proof that face-up sleeping reduces the risk of _ tor; acrylic underblanket; sleeping bag; duvet. cot death: All studies which show that face-up sleeping reduces the risk Contacts for BabeSafe products of cot death support the toxic gas theory. Face-up sleeping BabeSafe products are available at babycare retail outlets reduces the risk because the gases concerned are more dense than throughout New Zealand. If you live outside New Zealand and air; they diffuse away from a baby's mattress towards the floor, would like to purchase BabeSafe products, contact: so a baby sleeping face-up is less likely to ingest them. ¢ in Australia: Ms Louise Moas, 5/34 Salisbury Rd, Rose ¢ Publication of proof that cot death babies show physiological | Bay, NSW 20239, tel (02) 9327 2208, fax (02) 9566 3022, e-mail effects of gaseous poisoning: ; The study, "Decreased Kainate Receptor Binding in the * in UK: Mrs Julee Oakley, 31 Ashridge Gardens, Arcuate Nucleus of the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome", in Honicknowle, Plymouth PLS 3PZ, tel +44 (0)1752 214089, fax Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology +44 (0)1752 214089, e-mail ; chemical deficits consistent with poisoning by nerve gases. *in USA: Dr David D. Davis, 8381 El Paseo Grande, La ¢ Publication of proof that cot death risk varies with mattress Jolla, CA 92037, tel (619) 456 5897, fax (619) 456 9302, e-mail type: . See report of the New Zealand Cot Death Study (1987-1990). If you live elsewhere, contact: BabeSafe, PO Box 58-245, ¢ Publication of proof that the cot death risk in Britain is lower Greenmount, Auckland, New Zealand, tel +64 (0)9 273 9421, on PVC-covered mattresses: fax +64 (0)9 273 9421, e-mail . See the CESDI study, UK, reported in Lancet 345:720 (1995). Any part of a baby's mattress which contains the chemicals About the Author: phosphorus, arsenic and/or antimony is capable of the gas gener- Jim Sprott, OBE, MSc, PhD, FNZIC, is a consulting chemist and ation which causes cot death. Therefore, if a mattress is covered forensic scientist. During his wide-ranging career, he has been with a gas-impermeable diaphragm which does not contain those involved in forensic work on some of New Zealand's most chemicals, the risk of cot death is eliminated. famous criminal cases. In 1995 he received the OBE for services Accordingly, following removal of those chemicals from to forensic science and the community. He has been researching British plastic-covered mattresses from 1989 onwards, the risk of We cause oF cot Covenant Penguie Eten Tee ISBN a4. cot death in Britain is less on PVC-covered mattresses (which are 26198-2), and publishes a regular newsletter, Cot Life 2000, very frequently used in Britain). Thus the finding by the CESDI | which is distributed to healthcare professionals, researchers and study, that babies are less at risk on PVC-covered mattresses, cot death associations. supports the toxic gas theory for cot death. Editor's Notes: Preventing cot death with correct bedding and wrapping Jim Sprott's article was compiled and edited with his permission The danger of cot death can be eliminated by ensuring that from the Cot Life 2000 website, , or babies sleep on mattresses and underbedding known to be free Heuer eat ae Copies of ns OOo ‘on Poa from the elements phosphorus, arsenic and antimony. The Oar uP CAN 8D OHEMUEEI WIE Wo ob Selly ombes oad, BabeSafe range of mattresses complies with this requirement. Auckland 5, New Zealand, tel/fax +64 (0)9 523 1150, — e-mail 7 . All other types of cot mattress (and any other mattresses on prott@ NEXUS 15 OCTOBER — NOVEMBER 1999